Shalom all,

The joy of having your child - always a child for her mother - at home, for a whole week. Rotem enjoyed a short vacation, and after the primary agenda that included invading Eilat for a few days we went for a "girls night out". The discussion focused on her plans for the future: after the ritual travel abroad for a couple of months, her plans include University, work, finding a nice place to live. The regular, normal-life plans.
And all of them here, in Israel, at home. I had to ask why.
"What do you mean why? I'm used to this place." Rotem said simply.
"So? You can always get used to something new. You like adventures."
"True, but this is home."
"What do you mean?"
"I like the people here."
"OK, but there are nice people in other places, too. You enjoyed many friends in other countries as well."
"I won't feel secure anywhere else."
"You've got to be kidding... this isn't exactly the safest place on earth." I decided to make it hard on her and gave her the whole speech about the disadvantages of living in Israel. Finally, she said:
"I simply love the land. I mean, really: the earth itself and everything with it, flowers, mud, history and all. It's mine.No other place is or will ever be."

There it was. Simple. This week, more than 400 new immigrants have decided they agree with her.

And that's why our sages have said so long ago:
"From our infants and toddlers we have established our strength".

Shabbat Shalom,
Liat